We could withdraw from the von der Leyen coalition: Renew chief Valérie Hayer
France 24Friday, July 18, 2025 at 3:59:35 PM
The alliance backing EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is still standing, but cracks are showing. Valérie Hayer, leader of the centrist Renew group, warns they might pull out over concerns that von der Leyen’s conservative EPP party is cozying up to far-right factions. While the coalition recently united to block a no-confidence vote, frustration is brewing—especially among centrists, Socialists, and Greens—who want von der Leyen to rein in the EPP’s rightward drift.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just insider Brussels drama—it’s a sign of growing tensions that could reshape the EU’s direction. If centrist allies bail, von der Leyen’s ability to pass policies or even keep her job could be at risk. With far-right influence rising globally, how she handles this rift could determine whether Europe’s mainstream holds together or splinters.
— Curated via WP Now’s
